The situation between Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns remains one of the most intriguing to follow in the NBA offseason. While the Suns have officially extended a qualifying offer worth $16.4 million to Ayton, who is about to become a restricted free agent Thursday, it's a much bigger offer that the center is looking to strike with the team. Ayton can still find that bag of money somewhere else, but there is also a non-financial reason why Ayton is not too keen on the idea of returning to play in the desert, particularly involving Chris Paul.

Via Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report:

With Phoenix, there's far less belief the Suns will ultimately match whatever offer Ayton can draw. The relationships between him and Phoenix's other primary actors—most notably head coach Monty Williams and point guard Chris Paul—seem untenable for an Ayton return. But there aren't many looming possibilities for him to find the maximum contract he is said to desire.

Whether Ayton wants to stay in Phoenix or not, it appears that there aren't a lot of teams out there willing to show him that max deal money. He is still a great big man who's very efficient with his shot and should attract lots of interest in NBA free agency. The question, though, is if there will be one who will call him with a massive offer the Suns can't find themselves to match.